NL EN FR DE PL
 

Complications

By and large, abortion is a safe procedure and is carried out at our clinics with the greatest possible care. The risk of problems or complications during and after treatment is remote. If serious complications do arise, we receive immediate hospital support, for which our clinics have partnership agreements with nearby hospitals.
Possible complications (˂ 0.2%) or problems after the treatment:

  • Protracted bleeding in the period after the treatment
  • Excessive bleeding or damage of the uterus during the treatment
  • Infection
  • A positive pregnancy test at the follow-up appointment

Protracted bleeding in the period after the treatment

Protracted or heavy bleeding in the period following the abortion is usually caused by pregnancy tissue left in the uterus after the treatment or abortion pill. If the residual tissue is not passed naturally, a follow-up treatment may be needed to remove these last bits of tissue. The doctor will decide whether additional medication or a new curettage is required.

Excessive bleeding or damage of the uterus during the treatment

In rare cases (< 0.2%), during or immediately after the day treatment of second trimester pregnancies (from 13 weeks) there is excessive bleeding. This may be due to damage of the uterus or blood coagulation issues. Sometimes additional hospital treatment is required.

Infection

The abortion treatment is carried out hygienically, which means that risk of infection is very small. As extra precaution to prevent infection, you will be given antibiotics.

A fever (over 38.5°C), which lasts more than a day, and abdominal pain after treatment can be possible signs of an infection. If this happens to you, please contact our clinic or your GP as soon as possible.

To prevent infection, you should not insert anything into your vagina for two weeks. This means:

  • no tampons
  • no sexual intercourse
  • no swimming or bathing (taking a shower is fine)
  • no vaginal douche

Positive pregnancy test at the follow-up appointment

A positive pregnancy test is usually caused by a fragment of pregnancy tissue left in the uterus after the abortion treatment. Only in rare cases is there an uninterrupted pregnancy. The chance of residual tissue after the abortion pill is approximately 5-6%. The chance of residual tissue after suction curettage is approximately 1-2%. If this happens to you, the doctor will decide, in consultation with you, if additional medication or curettage is required.

Can an abortion make me infertile?
There is no scientific proof for diminished fertility after an abortion. Uterine adhesions after an abortion are also rare. Infertility is usually caused by an infection, as in the period following an abortion, miscarriage or birth you are more prone to infection in your uterus. To prevent infection, you are given antibiotics at the clinic after you had your day treatment.